Millions slated to fund expansion of some Winnipeg arenas, others to be closed

The city, province and two community groups are working together to fund the expansion of two Winnipeg arenas.

Mayor Sam Katz said a number of city arenas need major work.

"Some of our recreational facilities are in absolutely terrible shape," said Katz.

The two levels of government and the East End Community Centre are spending $9 million to expand the East End Arena in Transcona.

The two-rink arena will be turned into a tri-plex with a new sheet of ice and upgrades to seating, the locker rooms, showers and canteen.

The community centre will continue to run the city-owned rink.

"We've got a proven track record. We paid off our debt many years ago. This is what we do - we sell ice (time) and run a community centre," said Don Gale, past president of the East End Community Centre.

The 48,000-square-foot expansion is set to open in the fall of 2014.

The city, province and Garden City Community Centre are also spending $17 million to build two new indoor sheets of indoor ice.

The 100,000-square-foot facility will be built on the site where the outdoor one sits now. It's also slated to open in the fall of 2014.

"This twin arena will serve the northwest quadrant of the city with pride for many years to come," said Andy Haworth, president of the Garden City Community Centre.

The city is also planning to close the Vimy and Old Exhibition arenas, and the Roland Michener arena.

"Roland Michener loses on an annual basis $200,000 to $270,000 a year. The community club earns...$200,000 a year," said Coun. Russ Wyatt, city finance chair.

Some residents worry, however, that kids will have to travel farther to play hockey, while other residents said Thursday the improved facilities will be better overall spots to play.

- watch CTV News at Six for more on the plans for some arenas

Photos

A rendering shows the planned expansion of the East End Arena in Transcona.